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Board hears proposal to name new high‑school building for former superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson
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Summary
A board member proposed naming a building at the new Hope County High School for former superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson, citing his 15 years of leadership and program expansion; the board asked the superintendent to follow policy 98300 and work with the community before returning a recommendation.
A board member proposed at the March 10 Hoke County Schools board meeting that the new building at Hope County High School be named in honor of former superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
The proposer said Dr. Williamson led the district from 2006 to early 2021, oversaw projects including Sandy Grove Middle School, championed digital learning and career-and-technical programs and presided over a rise in the district graduation rate that the speaker said rose from 41 percent to 86 percent during Williamson’s tenure. “For these reasons and in recognition of his lasting impact on students, staff, and the broader Hoke County community, I respectfully propose that this board consider naming the new building at Hope High School in honor of doctor Freddie Williamson,” the board member said.
Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the honor would apply to the entire school, the campus, or a specific building or wing. The board’s clerk noted the district’s policy on facility naming is Policy 98300 and described the required process: the superintendent is to work with the school community, staff and students to identify potential names and then propose them to the board.
Several members urged community involvement before a final decision. Angela Sutherland said she supported honoring Dr. Williamson but emphasized community engagement: “Idid not say do not put doctor William's name on the building. I'm saying that's making sense. Put it out there to the community, get the community involved,” she said.
The board voted to ask the superintendent to follow the district naming policy and bring recommended name(s) back to the board after community outreach and required steps are completed. The board did not take a final naming vote at the meeting.
Next steps: the superintendent will gather community input and return a recommendation under Policy 98300; the board will consider any formal naming action in a future meeting.
